TG’s slidey, sideways ride in Mini’s new WRC weapon

The rallying Countryman may be a bit brutal to look at, but it’s ready to give the WRC an almighty kick up the backside in 2011

But, today, life is easier. We have a workshop to hand. And
a test track. This is Prodrive's very own former airbase near Warwick, and my
chauffeurs for the day are Lapworth plus Damian Harty, Prodrive's principal
engineer of vehicle dynamics, who did a lot of that early computer modelling.
There are two tarmac circuits, a fast one with some testing tightening corners
and esses, and a smaller, bumpier ‘tarmac rally' stage. The Mini's really here
just for an initial shakedown and hasn't been set up for tarmac. From our point
of view this is nothing but good news: gravel tyres on asphalt make for
wonderful sideways action.

It’s hungry for corners, and gobbles them greedily. But never at the
angle you’d expect – especially since my view from the co-driver’s seat, set
low and a long way back in the car to help the weight distribution, leaves me
almost unable to see over the dash.